Food and crayon snap-locking containers and adjustable shelving

ABSTRACT

The inventions are a food and crayon snap locking container and adjustable shelving system for containers for use in bags. The food snap locking container invention allows for multiple containers to lock together so one hand can be used to move them. The crayon snap locking box invention allows for one hand to search for and remove a crayon without the box tipping over, and it allows for easy access to the favorite crayon. The adjustable shelving system allows for food containers of all sizes to be placed in a bag in an orderly manner that prevents leakage and fixes the containers in place.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/112,891 filed on Feb. 6, 2015 and entitled “Food and CrayonSnap-Locking Containers and Adjustable Shelving”, the content of whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Multiple food containers require using both hands and/or stackingcontainers to move them. The snap lock container allows for multiplecontainers to be carried with one hand.

Crayon boxes require two hands to reach for and pick out a crayonwithout the box tipping over. The snap lock crayon box allows for onehand to pick out a crayon and easily find the favorite crayon withoutsearching. Carrying food containers in a bag requires a haphazardstorage in a soft material bag which may lead to spillage or loss ofstorage space for books. The adjustable shelving system for bags allowsfor purposeful storage of food containers of any shape.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a storage systemis provided. The storage system includes a plurality of storagecontainers, each storage container including a container body, thecontainer body including at least one wall including a slot, the slotconfigured to receive a protrusion from another of the plurality ofstorage containers, at least one wall including a protrusion, whereinthe protrusion extends outward from an exterior surface of the at leastone wall including a protrusion, and a lid configured to engage a topsurface of the container body. Receipt of a protrusion of a firststorage container by a slot of a second storage container at leastpartially prevents movement in at least one direction of the firststorage container and the second storage container relative to oneanother.

In some embodiments, each protrusion includes one or more connectingarms and an outer plate, each connecting arm positioned generallyperpendicular to a plane defined by the exterior surface of the at leastone wall including a protrusion, wherein a proximal end of eachconnecting arm extends from the exterior surface of the at least onewall including a protrusion, and wherein the distal end of eachconnecting arm extends to the interior surface of the outer plate. Insome embodiments a cavity is defined by an interior surface of theprotrusion and the exterior surface of the at least one wall including aprotrusion, wherein the at least one wall including a slot furtherincludes at least one locking tab configured to extend into the cavity.In some embodiments, each of the plurality of storage containersincludes at least two protrusions and at least two slots. In someembodiments, the at least one wall including a protrusion furtherincludes at least one locking tab extending perpendicularly from theexterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion,wherein the at least one wall including a slot further includes at leastone locking tab receptacle configured to receive the at least on lockingtab extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the at leastone wall including a protrusion. In some embodiments, the receipt of theat least one locking tab of the first container by the locking tabreceptacle of the second container at least partially prevents movementin at least one direction different from the at least one direction atwhich movement is partially prevented by the receipt of the protrusionof the first storage container by the slot of the second storagecontainer. In some embodiments, the at least one wall including a slotincludes a plurality of slots and the at least one wall including aprotrusion includes a plurality of protrusions. In some embodiments,each storage container is configured to engage four other storagecontainers. In some embodiments, the outer plate extends at an anglefrom the one or more connecting arms such that the outer plate is notparallel to the exterior surface of the at least one wall including aprotrusion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a storagecontainer is provided. The storage container includes a container bodyincluding a plurality of walls, wherein a protrusion extends from atleast one wall, and a removable lid including a slot configured toengage with the protrusion, wherein upon engagement of the slot with theprotrusion, movement of the lid and storage container relative to oneanother is at least partially prevented in at least one direction.

In some embodiments the protrusion is t-shaped. In some embodiments, thelid includes a connection surface configured to detachably engage a topsurface of the container body by a press fit. In some embodiments, anexterior surface of the lid includes a recessed portion for storage ofone or more items. In some embodiments, the recessed portion isconfigured to removably secure one or more writing instruments. In someembodiments, when the slot is engaged to the protrusion, a long axis ofthe lid is positioned generally perpendicular to a long axis of thecontainer body. In some embodiments, the lid is sized to prevent tippingof the container body when the slot is engaged to the protrusion and thecontainer body is positioned on a flat surface. In some embodiments, thecontainer body includes a stop configured to prevent movement of the lidin at least one direction along a length of the protrusion, the stopbeing wider than an opening of the slot in at least one dimension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows ISO view of backpack with structure, lunch bag, andshelving visible inside.

FIG. 2 shows top view of food compartment structure assembly.

FIG. 3 shows section view with detail of food compartment with lunchbag.

FIG. 4 shows ISO view of lunch bag opened with shelving inside.

FIG. 5 shows ISO view of adjustable shelving assembly.

FIG. 6 shows ISO view of adjustable shelving with breakout of track.

FIG. 7 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers and shelf oncenter.

FIG. 8 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers moved.

FIG. 9 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers out and shelf attop.

FIG. 10 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers moved and shelfat top.

FIG. 11 shows ISO view with detail of adjustable shelving with lockeddivider.

FIG. 12 shows ISO view with detail of adjustable shelving with unlockeddivider.

FIG. 13 shows top (hidden wire frame) view of adjustable shelf

FIG. 14 shows section view with details of divider section in lockedposition.

FIG. 15 shows top view of adjustable shelving.

FIG. 16 shows section view with details of divider section in unlockedposition.

FIG. 17 shows detail view of break out of sliding mechanism of shelf.

FIG. 18 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with lidon.

FIG. 19 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with lidon.

FIG. 20 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with topexploded above in ISO view.

FIG. 21 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in sideview with details.

FIG. 22 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in bottomview with details.

FIG. 23 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with topexploded above in ISO view.

FIG. 24 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in sideview with details.

FIG. 25 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in bottomview with details.

FIG. 26 shows 4 3×3×3 and a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wallcontainers connected in top view.

FIG. 27 shows 8 3×3×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall containersconnected with lids in top view.

FIG. 28 shows 8 3×3×3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall containersconnected in bottom view.

FIG. 29 shows a container section detail view of the t-boss/t-slotlocking interface.

FIG. 30 shows a container section detail view of the lock boss/lockdetent interface.

FIG. 31 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container with lidon.

FIG. 32 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container with lidon.

FIG. 33 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container exploded inISO view.

FIG. 34 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in sideview with details.

FIG. 35 shows a 3×3×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in detailbottom view.

FIG. 36 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container exploded inISO view.

FIG. 37 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in sideview with details.

FIG. 38 shows a 6×6×3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in bottomview with details.

FIG. 39 shows 4 3×3×3 and a 6×6×3 inch drafted wall containers connectedin top view.

FIG. 40 shows 8 3×3×3 inch drafted wall containers connected with lidsin top view with details.

FIG. 41 shows 8 3×3×3 inch drafted wall containers connected in bottomview.

FIG. 42 shows a container section view of the t-boss/t-slot lockinginterface with detail.

FIG. 43 shows a container section view of the snap hook lock interfacewith detail.

FIG. 44 shows the drafted wall crayon container with lid on and favoritecrayon holder.

FIG. 45 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid andfavorite crayon holder.

FIG. 46 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid withcrayons and favorite crayon holder.

FIG. 47 shows a top view with details of the crayon container with lidand favorite crayon holder.

FIG. 48 shows a front view of the crayon container with lid.

FIG. 49 shows a section view with details of the crayon container withcrayons.

FIG. 50 shows an ISO view of the crayon container and lid locked on theside with crayons.

FIG. 51 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container with lid andcrayons.

FIG. 52 shows another embodiment of the drafted wall crayon containerwith lid on and favorite crayon holder.

FIG. 53 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid andfavorite crayon holder.

FIG. 54 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid withcrayons and favorite crayon holder.

FIG. 55 shows a top view with details of the crayon container with lidand favorite crayon holder.

FIG. 56 shows a front view of the crayon container with lid.

FIG. 57 shows a section view with details of the crayon container withcrayons.

FIG. 58 shows an ISO view of the crayon container and lid locked on theside with crayons.

FIG. 59 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container with lid andcrayons.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows item 1, the backpack, used to house the “food compartmentstructure,” and carry the “lunch bag” within bottom pocket. Item 2, thefood compartment structure, is used to house the “lunch bag” anddistribute backpack's upper load around lunch bag, enabling bag to beremoved if pack is loaded. Item 3, the lunch bag, is used to house the“adjustable shelving” and allow portability of contained items withoutbackpack. Item 4, the adjustable shelving is used to support and helprestrain food items, containers of various sizes, or other items within“lunch bag.”

FIGS. 2 and 3 show item 2-1, the structure half, the same component usedon top and bottom. Item 2-2, the structure corrugation, allows structureto maintain its shape while backpack is loaded above and distributeforces around lunch bag; to provide a lead-in on the front for insertinglunch bag. Item 2-3, the structure side plates and fasteners, are usedto assemble structure in an efficient manner and help distribute loadsfrom top to bottom. Item 2-4, the structure clearance, allows structureto deflect while under load, and minimize backpack load from preventingremoval/insertion of lunch bag.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show item 3-1, the front flap, used to aid in heattransfer and allow access to adjustable shelving and items inside. Item4-1, the slide plate, is used to support and guide adjustable shelf andto hold assembly together. Item 4-2, the track plate, is used to supportand guide the dividers, which move along specific rails running thelength of the plate; also to allow rigid locking of the dividers inpredefined positions. Item 4-3, sliding divider, is used to providehorizontal adjustability in the shelving system, specifically to changethe side to side width between the divider and the side plate to allowvarious sized items to be confined within the space. Item 4-4, thesliding shelf, is used to support the weight of the items inside thelunch bag, and also provide vertical adjustability in the shelvingsystem, specifically to change the top-bottom height between the trackplate and shelf to allow various sized items to be confined within thespace. Item 4-5, the linear pull, is used to allow end-user ease of usein unlocking the dividers

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 show the range of movement of the shelf anddividers. Item 4-6, the divider track, is used to constrain dividers toside to side motion only, and allow traversing the entire length of thetrack plate. Item 4-7, the shelf slide, is used to constrain the shelfto up-down motion only, and allow predetermined vertical movement alongthe slide plate.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show item 4-8, the divider lock plate, used to allow theengagement and disengagement of the divider lock pins, which fix theside to side position of the divider and helps secure items. Item 4-9,the divider lock hole, is used to allow the divider lock pin to engagethe track plate at predetermined locations and transfer side to sideforces from the divider to the track plate. Item 4-10, the dividerposition indicator, is used to allow the end-user to easily see wherethe divider must be positioned before engaging lock; indicators locatedat location of lock holes.

FIGS. 13 and 14 again show item 4-3, the sliding divider, as anassembly. The sliding divider is assembled from multiple parts, butspecifically a sliding body and cover plate, which together support theinternal locking features. Item 4-11, divider shelf slot-C, is used toallow divider to move when shelf is at center position. Item 4-12,divider shelf slot-V, is used to allow shelf to move when divider is atoutside position. Item 4-13, divider shelf slot-T, is used to allowdivider to move when shelf is at top position. Item 4-14, divider slidepad, is used to constrain divider to only move within divider track;specific design helps minimize divider tilt while moving. Item 4-15,lock stop rib, is used to prevent motion of lock plate beyondlock/unlock position. Item 4-16, divider/cover ribs, are used toincrease rigidity of assembly and also to support and constrain motionof lock pins and lock plate. Item 4-17, lock pin spring, is used toprovide a restoring force to move pins to unlock position. Item 4-18,upper lock pin, when engaged with lock hole, prevents divider motion andtransfers side to side force to top track plate. Item 4-19, lower lockpin, acts the same as upper lock pin; but transfers force to bottomplate. Item 4-20, lock detent-top, is used to allow upper lock pin tomaintain engagement with track plate lock hole and minimize accidentalunlocking. Item 4-21, lock detent-bottom, is used as lock detent-top;but to maintain lower pin lock.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 show item 4-22, lock pin ramp, used to allow lockpins to smoothly transition from disengaged to engaged; specifically,gradually transmitting the lock spring forces to end user through thelock plate. Item 4-23, lock pin and divider clearance, is used to allowfree movement of divider when lock pins are disengaged and provide spacefor allowable tilt of divider when in motion by end user. Item 4-24,shelf slide boss, is used to constrain shelf to move vertically withinshelf slide. Item 4-25, shelf slide detents, are used to allow shelf tosnap into position and free hands of end-user to move dividers todesired positions. Item 4-26, shelf divider gap, is used to allow shelfto move vertically when dividers are in the outside position.

FIG. 18 shows item 5, the 3×3×3 slide-lock 90 degree wall containerbody, used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiplecontainers to be connected in an array orientation. Item 6, the 3×3×3slide-lock 90 degree wall container lid, is used to cover and protectcontained items from external contaminants; also to provide a seal toprevent escape of contents.

FIG. 19 shows item 7, the 6×6×3 slide-lock 90 degree wall containerbody, used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiplecontainers to be connected in an array orientation. Item 8, the 6×6×3slide-lock 90 degree wall container lid, is used to cover and protectcontained items from external contaminants; also to provide a seal toprevent escape of contents.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show item 5-1, the 90 degree wall, which enablesother containers to lock flush (co-planer) to each other; providing alarger area for force distribution. Item 5-2, the container top face,supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 5-3, the insidedrafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturing.Item 5-4, the t-boss, provides a method to lock containers together;specifically, transfers clamping force to 90 degree wall throughinterface with t-slot. Item 5-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provide theforce/locking interface to the t-slot. Item 5-6, the t-boss draft plate,improves manufacturing and wall strength at t-boss. Item 5-7, the lockboss, provides vertical locking between container faces; specifically,minimizes container tendency to slide apart. Item 5-8, the lock detent,provides female interface for lock boss to function. Item 5-9, thet-slot, provides female interface for t-boss to function.

Item 5-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/lockinginterface for t-boss. Item 5-11, the t-slot draft plane, improvesmanufacturing; provides draft plate clearance. Item 6-1, the lid sealsurface, provides lid interface with container cavity and enablessealing by use of material compression when in place. Item 6-2, the lidstop flange, helps prevent lid from being pushed inside container. Item6-3, the lid dome top, provides aesthetic function and volume increase.Item 6-4, the lid finger pocket, enables end user to grasp lid andremove by overcoming material compression. Item 6-5, the lid flexcavity, enables lid to strain along the entire seal surface.

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show item 7-1 the 90 degree wall, which enablesother containers to lock flush (co-planer) to each other; providing alarger area for force distribution. Item 7-2, the container top face,supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 7-3, the insidedrafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturing.Item 7-4, the t-boss, provides a method to lock containers together;specifically, transfers clamping force to 90 degree wall throughinterface with t-slot. Item 7-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provide theforce/locking interface to the t-slot. Item 7-6, the t-boss draft plate,improves manufacturing and wall strength at t-boss. Item 7-7, the lockboss, provides vertical locking between container faces; specifically,minimizes container tendency to slide apart. Item 7-8, the lock detent,provides female interface for lock boss to function. Item 7-9, thet-slot, provides female interface for t-boss to function.

Item 7-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/lockinginterface for t-boss. Item 7-11, the t-slot draft plane, improvesmanufacturing; provides draft plate clearance. Item 8-1, the lid sealsurface, provides lid interface with container cavity and enablessealing by use of material compression when in place. Item 8-2, the lidstop flange, helps prevent lid from being pushed inside container. Item8-3, the lid dome top, provides aesthetic function and volume increase.Item 8-4, the lid finger pocket, enables end user to grasp lid andremove by overcoming material compression. Item 8-5, the lid flexcavity, enables lid to strain along the entire seal surface.

FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 show the body walls and lids for the 3×3×3 and6×6×3 containers, items 5, 6, 7, and 8. Also showing, are the t-boss andt-slot, items 5-4 and 5-9. Item 5-12, the 3×3×3 0 degree co-planer wallinterface, provides parallel surface contact between identicalcontainers; enables containers to distribute force more equally andhelps increase rigidity when connected. Item 7-12, the 6×6×3 90 degreeco-planer wall interface, provides parallel surface contact betweenidentical containers; enables containers to distribute force moreequally and helps increase rigidity when connected.

FIG. 29 shows item 5-13, the t-boss/t-slot interface 1, which enableslocking between two containers by providing interference on the rampangle between the t-boss tabs and t-slot tabs; this places tabs undertension resulting in a clamping force on the co-planar walls. Item 5-14,the t-boss draft plate interface, provides clearance as needed betweenthe t-boss draft plate and t-slot tabs, so free strain produces calming.Item 5-15, the t-boss/t-slot interface 2, provides clearance as neededbetween t-boss front and t-slot, so free strain produces clamping. Item5-16, the lock boss/lock detent interface, provides clearance as neededbetween lock detent and lock boss, but enables contact at bottom, or topto react to slip force and help maintain t-boss clamping force; contactpoint provides rotation center when containers are loaded and bendingdown resulting in a moment that increases t-boss tension to minimizeslip. Item 6-6, the lid/cavity interface, enables locking of lid tocontainer cavity through material compression in lid (lid oversized);specifically, compression results in normal force on seal surfaceproviding sealing and stiction to hold lid in place. Also shown areitems 5-5, 5-6, 5-10, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5, the t-boss lock tabs, the t-bossdraft plate, the t-slot lock tabs, the lid seal surface, the lid dometop, and lid flex cavity.

FIG. 30 shows items 5-7, 5-8, 5-12, and 5-16, the lock detent, lockboss, co-planar wall interface, and the lock boss/lock detent interface.FIG. 31 shows item 9, the 3×3×3 inch slide-lock drafted container body,used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiple containersto be connected in an array orientation. Item 10, the 3×3×3 slide-lockdrafted wall container lid, is used to cover and protect contained itemsfrom external contaminants; also to provide a seal to prevent escape ofcontents.

FIG. 32 shows item 11, the 6×6×3 slide-lock drafted wall container body,used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiple containersto be connected in an array orientation. Item 12, the 6×6×3 slide-lockdrafted wall container lid, is used to cover and protect contained itemsfrom external contaminants; also to provide a seal to prevent escape ofcontents.

FIGS. 33, 34, and 35 show item 9-1, the drafted wall, which providesimproved manufacturability. Item 9-2, the container top face, supportsthe lid and provides transition to inside. Item 9-3, the inside draftedcavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturability. Item9-4, the t-boss, enables containers to lock together through interfacewith t-slot; specifically, transfers clamping force to draft plate andthen drafted wall. Item 9-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provides theforce/locking interface to the t-slot tabs. Item 9-6, the t-boss draftplate, improves manufacturability and wall strength at t-boss; providesa co-planer surface at drafted wall connection. Item 9-7, the snap hooklock, provides vertical locking between containers. Item 9-8, the hooklock ramp, provides sliding interface to ease connecting containers.Item 9-9, the t-slot, provides female interface for t-boss tabs. Item9-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/lock interface fort-boss tabs. Item 10-1, the lid seal surface, provides lid interfacewith container cavity and enables sealing by use of material compressionwhen in place. Item 10-2, the lid stop flange, helps prevent lid frombeing pushed inside container. Item 10-3, the lid dome top, providesaesthetic function and volume increase. Item 10-4, the lid fingerpocket, enables end user to grasp lid and remove by overcoming materialcompression and stiction. Item 10-5, the lid flex cavity, enables lid tostrain along the entire seal surface. Item 10-6, the snap lock relief,enables lid to fit container over snap lock. Item 10-7, the snap lockribs, provide rigidity to lid behind snap lock, resulting in increasedcontainer wall rigidity for stronger connection.

FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 show item 11-1, the drafted wall, which providesimproved manufacturability. Item 11-2, the container top face, supportsthe lid and provides transition to inside. Item 11-3, the inside draftedcavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturability. Item11-4, the t-boss, enables containers to lock together through interfacewith t-slot; specifically, transfers clamping force to draft plate andthen drafted wall. Item 11-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provides theforce/locking interface to the t-slot tabs. Item 11-6, the t-boss draftplate, improves manufacturability and wall strength at t-boss; providesa co-planer surface at drafted wall connection. Item 11-7, the snap hooklock, provides vertical locking between containers. Item 11-8, the hooklock ramp, provides sliding interface to ease connecting containers.Item 11-9, the t-slot, provides female interface for t-boss tabs. Item11-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/lock interface fort-boss tabs. Item 12-1, the lid seal surface, provides lid interfacewith container cavity and enables sealing by use of material compressionwhen in place. Item 12-2, the lid stop flange, helps prevent lid frombeing pushed inside container. Item 12-3, the lid dome top, providesaesthetic function and volume increase. Item 12-4, the lid fingerpocket, enables end user to grasp lid and remove by overcoming materialcompression and stiction. Item 12-5, the lid flex cavity, enables lid tostrain along the entire seal surface. Item 12-6, the snap lock relief,enables lid to fit container over snap lock. Item 12-7, the snap lockribs, provide rigidity to lid behind snap lock, resulting in increasedcontainer wall rigidity for stronger connection.

FIGS. 39, 40, and 41 show the body walls and lids for the 3×3×3 and6×6×3 containers, items 9, 10, 11, and 12. Also showing, are the t-bossand t-slot, items 9-4 and 9-9. And showing in detail are the snap lockrelief and snap lock ribs, items 10-6 and 10-7. Item 9-12, the 3×3×3drafted wall interface, provides a co-planer surface contact betweent-boss draft plate and opposite container wall; enables containers todistribute force more equally and helps increase rigidity whenconnected. Item 11-12, the 6×6×3 drafted wall interface, providesco-planer surface contact between t-boss draft plates and oppositecontainer walls; enables containers to distribute force more equally andhelps increase rigidity when connected.

FIG. 42 shows item 9-13, the t-boss/t-slot interface 1, which enableslocking between two containers by providing interference on the rampangle between the t-boss tabs and t-slot tabs; this places tabs undertension resulting in a clamping force on the t-boss draft plate andco-planer connected container wall. Item 9-14, the t-boss draft plateinterface, provides sliding face while connecting containers and allowsforce distribution/transfer to co-planer wall of connected container,once locked in place by hook. Item 9-15, the t-boss/t-slot interface 2,provides clearance as needed between t-boss front and t-slot, to allowfree strain of t-boss tabs. Item 10-8, the lid/cavity interface, enableslocking of lid to container cavity through material compression in lid(lid oversized); specifically, compression results in normal force onseal surface providing sealing and stiction to hold lid in place. Alsoshown are items 9-1, 9-4, 9-5, 9-6, 10-3, and 10-7, the drafted wall,the t-boss, t-boss lock tabs, t-boss draft plate, the lid dome top, andthe snap lock ribs.

FIG. 43 shows Item 9-16, the snap hook lock interface, provides verticallocking between connected containers; specifically, prevents slipbetween t-boss draft plate and connected container wall by providing aparallel and opposite reaction force to slipping force—the snap hookcontacts top wall of connected container. Item 9-17, the containerradius for hook lock ramp, is a rounded corner to enable smooth lockingaction when connecting containers together; specifically, allows gradualforce transfer to hook lock ramp, thereby gradually deflecting hook ascontainer is connected. Also shown are items 9-7 and 9-8, the snap hooklock and the hook lock ramp.

FIG. 44 shows item 13, the drafted crayon container body, used to houseand allow durable portability of standard sized Crayola crayons; alsoprovides a method to organize them in a standing position to allow easeof removal. Item 14, the drafted crayon container lid, used to cover thecontents and prevent spilling of crayons if container is laid on itsside; also provides a method to store a single standard sized Crayolacrayon for ease of access, and prevents the container from tipping overwhen in the locked position on the side of the container. Item 15 is thestandard Crayola crayon. FIG. 45 shows item 13-1, the drafted wall,which provides improved manufacturability. Item 13-2, the container topface, supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 13-3, theinside drafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning) andmanufacturability. Item 13-4, the t-boss, provides male interface toenable lid to slide onto container side through interface with t-slotand allows lid to be secured to container on either side. Item 13-5, theinside compartment divider, provides increased container strength andallows division of the container into four compartments. Item 14-1, thelid rounded top, provides form and strength to lid and crayon support.Item 14-2, the lid drafted wall, provides improved manufacturability.Item 14-3, the lid connection surface, provides lid interface withcontainer top face and allows lid to stay on container body through apress fit. Item 14-4, the favorite crayon opening, provides a largesurface to place end user's favorite crayon (i.e., preferred color) andan opening that enables a finger to slide the crayon into the lock tabs.Item 14-5, the favorite crayon stop, provides a surface to stop positionof favorite crayon. Item 14-6, the lid t-slot, provides the femaleinterface to enable lid to lock onto container side through interfacewith t-boss.

FIG. 46 shows item 15-1, the favorite crayon. Item 15-2 represents the64 crayons inside the container.

FIG. 47 shows item 13-6, the t-boss lock tabs, used to provide lockinginterface with lid t-slot tabs. Item 14-8, the lid t-slot tabs, provideslocking interface with container t-boss tabs.

FIG. 49 shows item 14-7, the favorite crayon lock tabs, which provides aslight press fit to securely hold the favorite crayon in place throughstiction; also enables crayon to be removed with finger from exposedarea on top. Item 13-7, the container compartment bottom, supports thecrayons in a vertical position; also enables crayons to be removedeasier by providing a different height for each row. Also shown areitems 14-4, 15-1, and 15-2, the favorite crayon opening, the favoritecrayon, and the crayons inside the container.

FIGS. 52-59 show another embodiment of a drafted wall crayon containerwith a lid 14 on and a favorite crayon holder. In some embodiments, thecrayon container can include a T-Boss stop 13-6 that provides a positivestop for the lid 14 when the lid 14 is mounted to the T-Boss 13-4 toprevent the lid 14 from disengaging from the container body 13 when thecontainer body 13 is lifted. In some embodiments one or more ribs may bepositioned adjacent to a T-slot 14-6 to decrease flexing of the lid 14immediately adjacent to the T-slot 14-6, improve lid stiction to thecontainer body 13, reduce stress at the T-slot 14-6 opening on the topof the lid 14, and provide a contact area for the lid 14 when installedon the container body 13. In some embodiments, one or more tabs arelocated on a surface of the lid bottom to enable fingers to pry the lid14 off of the container body 13. The one or more tabs may also provide apositive stop against T-bosses to prevent the lid 14 from being pushedtoo far down with respect to the container body 13.

1. A storage system comprising: a plurality of storage containers, eachstorage container comprising: a container body, the container bodycomprising: at least one wall comprising a slot, the slot configured toreceive a protrusion from another of the plurality of storagecontainers; at least one wall comprising a protrusion, wherein theprotrusion extends outward from an exterior surface of the at least onewall comprising a protrusion; and a lid configured to engage a topsurface of the container body; wherein receipt of a protrusion of afirst storage container by a slot of a second storage container at leastpartially prevents movement in at least one direction of the firststorage container and the second storage container relative to oneanother.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each protrusioncomprises one or more connecting arms and an outer plate, eachconnecting arm positioned generally perpendicular to a plane defined bythe exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion,wherein a proximal end of each connecting arm extends from the exteriorsurface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion, and whereinthe distal end of each connecting arm extends to the interior surface ofthe outer plate.
 3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a cavity isdefined by an interior surface of the protrusion and the exteriorsurface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion, wherein the atleast one wall comprising a slot further comprises at least one lockingtab configured to extend into the cavity.
 4. The storage system of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of storage containers comprises atleast two protrusions and at least two slots.
 5. The storage system ofclaim 1, where the at least one wall comprising a protrusion furthercomprises at least one locking tab extending perpendicularly from theexterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion,wherein the at least one wall comprising a slot further comprises atleast one locking tab receptacle configured to receive the at least onlocking tab extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of theat least one wall comprising a protrusion.
 6. The storage system ofclaim 5, wherein the receipt of the at least one locking tab of thefirst container by the locking tab receptacle of the second container atleast partially prevents movement in at least one direction differentfrom the at least one direction at which movement is partially preventedby the receipt of the protrusion of the first storage container by theslot of the second storage container.
 7. The storage system of claim 1,wherein the at least one wall comprising a slot comprises a plurality ofslots and the at least one wall comprising a protrusion comprises aplurality of protrusions.
 8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein eachstorage container is configured to engage four other storage containers.9. The storage system of claim 2, wherein the outer plate extends at anangle from the one or more connecting arms such that the outer plate isnot parallel to the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprisinga protrusion.
 10. A storage container comprising: a container bodycomprising a plurality of walls, wherein a protrusion extends from atleast one wall; and a removable lid comprising a slot configured toengage with the protrusion, wherein upon engagement of the slot with theprotrusion, movement of the lid and storage container relative to oneanother is at least partially prevented in at least one direction. 11.The storage container of claim 10, wherein the protrusion is t-shaped.12. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the lid comprises aconnection surface configured to detachably engage a top surface of thecontainer body by a press fit.
 13. The storage container of claim 10,wherein an exterior surface of the lid comprises a recessed portion forstorage of one or more items.
 14. The storage container of claim 13,wherein the recessed portion is configured to removably secure one ormore writing instruments.
 15. The storage container of claim 10, whereinwhen the slot is engaged to the protrusion, a long axis of the lid ispositioned generally perpendicular to a long axis of the container body.16. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the lid is sized toprevent tipping of the container body when the slot is engaged to theprotrusion and the container body is positioned on a flat surface. 17.The storage container of claim 10, wherein the container body comprisesa stop configured to prevent movement of the lid in at least onedirection along a length of the protrusion, the stop being wider than anopening of the slot in at least one dimension.